Sustainability Recycling – Ineos Styrolution, based in Frankfurt, is set to increase polystyrene (PS) prices this April 15-04-2024

Sustainability Recycling

r-PET Bottles – Japanese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking bioplastic that combines durability with rapid seawater degradation, offering hope for ocean cleanup efforts

More…

Sustainability Recycling

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

At Techtextil 2024 in Frankfurt, from April 23-26, Germany’s ITA will exhibit Biotexfuture projects emphasizing sustainability and recycling

The Biobase project, in collaboration with Krall+Roth, has yielded interior textiles from biopolymers. These polymers were transformed into yarns and fabrics, with processes tailored to their properties, resulting in four partially bio-based polyamides for interiors.

The Bioturf project aims to create bio-polyethylene turf identical to conventional turf in performance but better for recycling and free of microplastics. CO2TEX is developing an elastane-free compression stocking using TPU yarns with up to 600% elongation, made from polymers with 18% renewable content.  Sustainability Recycling

Degratex focuses on bio-based, degradable geotextiles for temporary earth stabilization or vegetation protection, designed to be replaced by natural elements eventually. ITA’s other innovations include a durable polishing disc from hemp and insulation textiles from cellulose aerogels.

These advancements will be featured at Elmatex’s stand D63 in Hall 12, alongside Recycling Atelier’s display, showcasing efforts to hasten textile recycling.

Sustainability Recycling

Exel Composites, Fairmat sign carbon fiber scrap repurpose deal

Exel material waste will go through Fairmat’s reconstitution process to produce second-generation CFRP chips, enabling a closed-loop ecosystem.  Sustainability Recycling

Exel Composites (Vantaa, Finland) and Fairmat (Paris, France) have announced a partnership to close the loop of carbon fiber waste. Fairmat will recycle Exel Composites’ carbon fiber composite scrap at its Nantes, France, manufacturing facility to produce second-generation carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) chips, high-performance composite units. Beginning in Q2 2024, the carbon fiber composite scrap will be transferred to Bouguenais from Exel’s two plants in Finland.

Traditional waste management techniques involving pyrolysis or solvolysis use significant amounts of energy, mitigating the environmental benefits of recycling used carbon fiber (read “Recycling end-of-life composite parts: New methods, markets”). In contrast, Fairmat’s reconstitution process uses proprietary cutting technologies — aided by robotic tools equipped with machine learning — to dissemble carbon fiber components and convert the pieces into CFRP building blocks. Sustainability Recycling

“Fairmat’s innovative recycling methodology enables its products to retain the high strength and stiffness of the original embedded fibers,” explains Kim Sjödahl, senior VP of technology and sustainability at Exel Composites. “This is often compromised by other recycling methods that involve chopping and milling carbon fiber. Combined with its minimal energy input, Fairmat’s process is game-changing for sustainability in the composites industry. What’s more, the successful recycling of process waste also opens possibilities to recycle the end-of-life waste from our customers.”

More…

Sustainability Recycling

Bühler launches fully automatic bagging station with Premier Tech

Swiss technology group Bühler, in partnership with leading Canadian packaging equipment manufacturer Premier Tech, announce the launch of the CHRONOS OMP-2090 B, a fully automatic bagging station. The new bagging station was developed for a wide range of powdery and other non-free-flowing products. It delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety.  Sustainability Recycling

As the need for advanced and efficient packaging solutions grows, this new system for powdery products is designed to increase productivity, ensure safety, and accommodate a wide range of bags, representing a significant advancement over traditional solutions. With decades of combined experience in the industry, Bühler and Premier Tech have once again demonstrated their commitment to innovation by expanding their portfolio to meet the increasing demand for higher packaging capacities in mills.

“The performance and reliability of the fully automatic bagging station CHRONOS OMP-2090 B lifts open mouth bag packaging to the next level. Operational safety and precision increase overall mill efficiency, maximize raw material yield, and ensure safe distribution of the valuable products of our customers and partners,” says Marco Chialina, Head of Business Unit Digital Sense at Bühler.  Sustainability Recycling

Bühler launches fully automatic bagging station with Premier Tech

AIMPLAS to Host Fourth Edition of EcoFRam

AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, is proud to host the fourth edition of the EcoFRam conference, an initiative of the French Chemical Society (SCF). Scheduled for 22nd and 23rd May, the event is set to convene experts and stakeholders in the field of eco-friendly flame retardants and additives.

The conference aims to shed light on the current state of eco-friendly flame retardants, exploring the latest advancements and research. With environmental concerns at the forefront, the development of sustainable materials that meet safety standards without compromising ecological integrity is more crucial than ever.  Sustainability Recycling

EcoFRam serves as a platform for scientists, researchers, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and foster collaborations. The two-day event will feature presentations on innovative solutions that align with global sustainability goals.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the role of eco-friendly flame retardants becomes increasingly significant. These substances are essential in reducing the flammability of materials, thereby enhancing safety. However, traditional flame retardants have raised environmental and health concerns, prompting the search for greener alternatives.

The fourth edition of EcoFRam is expected to highlight breakthroughs in non-toxic, effective flame retardants that can be integrated into various products, from electronics to construction materials. The discussions will also delve into regulatory frameworks, market trends, and future directions for this vital industry.  Sustainability Recycling

AIMPLAS to Host Fourth Edition of EcoFRam

China’s textile industry profits top 18 bln yuan in first two months   

In the initial two months of the current year, China’s principal textile firms witnessed a substantial profit surge, reaching 18.2 billion yuan (approximately 2.56 billion U.S. dollars).

This marks a significant increase in the industry’s financial performance. The total operational revenue of these companies was reported at 675 billion yuan, indicating a 13.7 percent growth compared to the previous year. Sustainability Recycling

This data was released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Furthermore, the industrial output of these key textile enterprises showed a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase.

Additionally, the period saw China’s textile and garment exports climb to 45.1 billion U.S. dollars, registering a 14.3 percent rise from the same timeframe last year.

These figures underscore the robust expansion and economic health of China’s textile sector.  Sustainability Recycling

China's textile industry profits top 18 bln yuan in first two months  

Ineos Styrolution, based in Frankfurt, is set to increase polystyrene (PS) prices this April

The company announced a hike in the gross market price for general-purpose polystyrene (PS-GP) by €60 per tonne, as reported by Kunststoffweb.

Similarly, high-impact polystyrene (PS-HI) will see an equivalent price rise, maintaining its premium at €100 per tonne over PS-GP.

This follows significant price surges in February and March, where increases were in the triple-digit range.  Sustainability Recycling

Additionally, the reference price for styrene monomer—a key PS component—went up by €44 per tonne in April.

Concurrently, the cost for butadiene, an essential additive, escalated by €70 per tonne.

These adjustments reflect ongoing market trends and input cost fluctuations, impacting the overall pricing structure for PS products.

Ineos Styrolution, based in Frankfurt, is set to increase polystyrene (PS) prices this April

Sustainability Recycling

Nylon fibers – The Challenge of PMMA Recycling: A Shift Towards Chemical Solutions 13-04-2024

r-PET Bottles – Japanese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking bioplastic that combines durability with rapid seawater degradation, offering hope for ocean cleanup efforts 15-04-2024

r-PET Bottles

r-PET Bottles

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks  PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber 

r-PET Bottles

r-PET Bottles

Polyestertime
ITEM 08/04/2024 15/04/2024 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 7,130 yuan/ton 7,100 yuan/ton -30
Bottle grade PET chips export market 910 $/ton 905 $/ton -5
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 6,970 yuan/ton 6,900 yuan/ton -70
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 6,990 yuan/ton 6,910 yuan/ton -80
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market

r-PET Bottles

5,985 yuan/ton 5,950 yuan/ton
-35
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 740 $/ton 740 $/ton
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 4,450 yuan/ton 4,460 yuan/ton
+10
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 517 $/ton 522 $/ton +5
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market 1,059 $/ton 1,048 $/ton
-11
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 1,037 $/ton 1,026 $/ton -11
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,150 $/7on 1,140 $/ton -10
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,725  yuan/ton 7,680 yuan/ton
-45
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,400 yuan/ton 7,450 yuan/ton +50
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 9,100 yuan/ton 9,100 yuan/ton
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F 8,900 yuan/ton 8,900 yuan/ton
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market

r-PET Bottles

8,250 yuan/ton 8,250 yuan/ton
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,500 yuan/ton 7,420 yuan/ton -80
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,725 yuan/ton 13,200 yuan/ton
+475
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,620 $/ton 1,620 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,910 $/ton 1,910 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 14,200 yuan/ton 14,600  yuan/ton +400
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market 14,300 yuan/ton 14,850 yuan/ton +550
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market

r-PET Bottles

22,200 yuan/ton 22,200 yuan/ton
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,400 yuan/ton 16,800 yuan/ton +400
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,750 yuan/ton 19,150 yuan/ton- +400
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,600 yuan/ton 17,850 yuan/ton +250
Spandex 20D  domestic  marke 33,700 yuan/ton 33,500 yuan/ton -200
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 32,200 yuan/ton 32,000 yuan/ton -200
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  29,200 yuan/ton 29,000 yuan/ton -200
Adipic Acid domestic market

r-PET Bottles

9,450 yuan/ton 9,650 yuan/ton +200
Benzene domestic market 8,800 yuan/ton 8,770 yuan/ton -30
Benzene overseas  market 1,068 $/ton 1,063 $/ton -5
Ethylene South East market 1,010 $/ton 1,010 $/ton
Ethylene NWE market CIF 873 $/ton 848 $/ton -25
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market 10,000 yuan/ton 10,200 yuan/ton +200
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market

r-PET Bottles

14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,250 yuan/ton 13,000 yuan/ton -250
PP Powder domestic market 7,250 yuan/ton 7,220 yuan/ton -30
Naphtha overseas market  710 $/ton 705 $/ton -5
Phenol domestic market 7,425 yuan/ton 7,512 yuan/ton +87

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =8,300 yuan/ton 8,300 yuan/ton   –

r-PET Bottles

Japanese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking bioplastic that combines durability with rapid seawater degradation, offering hope for ocean cleanup efforts

Made from polylactic acid derived from starches like sugarcane and corn, the material represents a significant step in combating the 30 million tons of plastic waste polluting oceans worldwide.

While traditional polylactic acid suffers from brittleness and production challenges, the team overcame these limitations by leveraging a bacteria’s plastic-producing capabilities. Through genetic modification, they achieved mass production of an enhanced degradable polylactide known as LAHB.

By blending LAHB with conventional polylactic acid, they achieved transparency, enhancing its versatility.

The Japanese government aims to boost bioplastic usage to 2 million tons by 2030, viewing this innovation as a pivotal step in their biomanufacturing initiative.

Seiichi Taguchi, a key figure in the project, believes this development will not only aid in mitigating global warming but also marks the industrialization of bioplastics.

With this advancement, the prospect of cleaner oceans and reduced reliance on petroleum-based plastics becomes increasingly attainable.

Japanese researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking bioplastic that combines durability with rapid seawater degradation, offering hope for ocean cleanup efforts

Microplastics are contaminating our water; IISc has now found a solution to the problem

Microplastics, a global water contamination crisis, faces a promising solution from researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Their innovative hydrogel, boasting a unique polymer network, effectively removes and degrades these minuscule plastic particles.

Microplastics, omnipresent in water bodies worldwide, threaten ecosystems and human health. Despite efforts using filtering membranes, these solutions often falter due to clogging. Led by Professor Suryasarathi Bose, the IISc team engineered a sustainable hydrogel with an Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) architecture. Infused with nanoclusters of a copper substitute polyoxometalate (Cu-POM), this hydrogel efficiently binds and degrades microplastics under UV light.

The hydrogel, comprising chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline layers, exhibits remarkable adsorption and degradation capabilities. Mimicking real-world scenarios, the team crushed plastic products to generate common microplastics. Tracking their removal and degradation, they found the hydrogel excelled, especially at near-neutral pH levels.

Additionally, the hydrogel proves durable under varying temperatures, hinting at its potential for large-scale deployment. Once its lifespan concludes, it can transform into carbon nanomaterials for heavy metal removal.

Future endeavors involve collaborating to develop scalable devices for widespread microplastic cleanup. The IISc’s breakthrough heralds a sustainable remedy to combat waterborne microplastic pollution, safeguarding ecosystems and human well-being alike.

Microplastics are contaminating our water; IISc has now found a solution to the problem